You just can't put a price on that welcome-home tail wag or affectionate feline cheek rub. Many of us consider our pets members of our family, and as we try to keep them in the best health possible, we look for ways to save without sacrificing quality. Luckily, with products on the market today, and some insight, you can often spend less than you might think.

We suggest:

Quality food.Nutrition for our pets, just like for ourselves, is probably the single most important health decision we make. Good nutrition always translates into better health. Look for dog foods with real meat, fish, or poultry listed as the first or second ingredient. Our Whole Dog Journal-approvedSignature Series dry food fulfills these requirements, as do our
regular and delicious
home-style canned foods.

Be proactive to support good health.Glucosamine and chondroitin, such as that found in our Joint Care products can support joint health. The Omega-3 fatty acids in our
Premium Plus Omega-3 Gel Caps can help support healthy skin, joints, heart and other organs. Support good dental health with diligent at-home care, including daily brushing. Our
Dental Kit,
Dental Cleanser,
dental treats,
rawhide, and
dental toys can be very helpful as part of a good dental program. Regular ear cleaning, with a solution such as our
Ear Clens® may save you an unplanned trip to the veterinarian for an ear infection.

Be diligent about flea/tick prevention and heartworm.Products such as
Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE SPOT ON® for Dogs,
Frontline Plus®, or
K9 Advantix® II are essential to a good flea and tick management program, and can help prevent the cost of treatment for illnesses such as Lyme disease. The American Heartworm Society recommends using a heartworm preventive, like
Tri-Heart® Plus or
Heartgard® Plus year-round, even in seasonal areas. The "Plus" in these heartworm preventives is that they also have ingredients to eliminate internal parasites, such as roundworm and hookworm.

Annual veterinary visits.Make sure your pet gets his annual physical exam. Your veterinarian will pick up on health problems you can't detect, and early treatment will probably mean less money spent down the road. The veterinarian-client-patient relationship is an essential part of maintaining your pet's good health.

Buy your prescriptions online and always ask for generics.It is amazing how much you can save by using a reputable online pharmacy, like our own
Pet & Equine Pharmacy. Online pharmacies, with their large volume, often offer better medication pricing. Generic prescriptions are an especially good value. These medications are made with the same exacting FDA standards as name brand veterinary medications. Visit our
online pharmacy for hundreds of products.

Consider vaccinating your pets at home.Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations. Familiarize yourself with
vaccine guidelines. If you choose to vaccinate at home, we can provide you with
needles,
syringes and
vaccines.

Keep him safe when you can't be there.You may think of a crate as a negative for your pet. In reality, dog owners have found that
crates, when introduced properly and used consistently, are the safest place for your pet when you're not around. How do they save money? Stress relief, and less potential damage to your property. Depending on your dog's size and strength, we have many different crates to choose from.

Keep your pet entertained and out of trouble.Choose interesting, interactive toys such as the
Tug-a-Jug, or the
Everlasting Treat Ball. Also, make sure your pooch has adequate exercise, with plenty of walks and games of fetch. Flying Discs are particularly fun for your dog.

Observe your pet daily and become knowledgeable.Watch for changes in eating patterns, behavior, and elimination. Even subtle differences can be early indicators of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may save you in the long run on more complex diagnostics and treatment. Read books, flip through our catalog or use the
article section in our Pet Care Center to learn more about caring for your pet.

Our pets depend on us to take care of them, and by following the tips above, you can save money without shortchanging your pet's health.